Amber Gold Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar' PP22,296

Nature Hills Nursery

Year-Round Golden Glow: Amber Gold Arborvitae Maintains Luminous Yellow-Orange Foliage in Every Season
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 12-15 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Excellent Privacy Screen or Hedge

$43⁶⁸

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Plant Size

#1 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant golden color, plant in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can handle partial shade, the foliage will likely fade to a duller lime green and the growth may become less dense.
Soil: This evergreen prefers moist, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay that stays soggy, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots above the "bathtub" effect where water sits and causes rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water deeply twice a week to ensure the root ball establishes properly in its new home. Once mature, this arborvitae is quite resilient, but inconsistent watering during summer dry spells can lead to "interior shedding" where the inner needles turn brown and drop prematurely. Aim for a slow soak at the base rather than a quick sprinkle on the leaves to keep the plant hydrated and stress free.

Pruning Tips

Amber Gold Arborvitae has a naturally tidy, pyramidal shape and generally requires very little pruning. If you need to shape it or maintain a specific height, do so in early spring before new growth begins, as it primarily grows from the tips of the branches. Think of it like a light trim rather than a heavy cut; never prune back into the "dead zone" or the bare interior wood, because new needles will not regrow from those old branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the tips begin to show bright new growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is much more susceptible to winter burn and ice damage once the cold weather hits.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Heat Tolerant, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	12-15 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Arborvitae
Botanical Name	Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar' PP22,296
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	Jantar
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Glowing Amber Gold Arborvitae

Glowing golden evergreen beauty - the Amber Gold Arborvitae PP#22,296 (Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar') is a radiant, golden-leaved cultivar of the classic American Arborvitae, prized for its luminous yellow-orange foliage and narrow, upright form. This eye-catching evergreen remains vibrant year-round and adds a touch of warm contrast to garden spaces, hedgerows, and container plantings.

A slow-growing conifer, it reaches maturity with grace, requiring very little maintenance along the way. It's a showstopper for four-season interest, especially in winter when its coppery-gold tones intensify! No cones, berries, or messy fruit—just feathery, fine-textured branches packed in a tidy, upright habit.

With a naturally columnar shape, Amber Gold forms a compact, vertical accent that maxes out around 12–15 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. Its flat, scale-like needles shimmer in the sunlight, offering a soft texture and rich color that doesn’t fade or burn in full sun. Unlike some golden conifers that can bleach or bronze, this Arborvitae keeps its warm hues even in cold climates.

Key Features

Brilliant golden-yellow foliage with orange undertones
Narrow, columnar form – perfect for tight spaces
Evergreen color and texture all year long
No cones, berries, or mess!
Coppery gold winter tone
Cold-hardy and low-maintenance
Excellent for screens, hedges, or as a specimen
Resistant to deer and urban pollution

Landscaping Uses

Native to the northern U.S. and Canada, Thuja occidentalis has been cultivated for centuries, valued by Native American tribes for its medicinal and ceremonial uses. Use this vertical evergreen accent to bring brightness and structure to the landscape. A garden favorite for structure, narrow privacy, and golden highlights, this golden gem is a modern spin on a timeless tree.

Perfect as a glowing privacy hedge or screen
Adds vertical interest to foundation plantings
Colorful backdrop to landscape beds
Beautiful golden accent in mixed conifer gardens and mixed shrub borders
Excellent specimen for winter gardens
Container focal point for entryways or patios

Care and Maintenance

An easy-to-grow evergreen conifer with year-round color, Amber Gold Arborvitae is easy to grow and tough as nails. It thrives in a variety of conditions with very little fuss. Amber Gold is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8 and offers all the rugged reliability of the species: cold hardy, tolerant of urban pollution, and adaptable to a range of soils.

Planting Time: Best in early spring or fall
Sun Needs: Full sun to light shade (best color in full sun)
Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils. Avoid wet or soggy sites
Moisture Needs: Moderate; water to establish, then tolerates light drought
Mulch: 3–4 inches of bark mulch or arborist chips around the base to conserve moisture and insulate roots
Fertilization Needs: Annual balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Arborvitae Pruning Info: Rarely needs pruning; lightly shape or shear in early spring if desired
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks for Success:

Deer-resistant
Pollution and urban condition-tolerant
Cold hardy to -30°F
Low maintenance and excellent structural plant

Golden Opportunity For Evergreen Enthusiasts!

The Amber Gold Arborvitae is your golden ticket to year-round beauty, structure, and warmth in the garden. Whether you need a vertical accent or a dazzling screen, this vibrant evergreen will light up your landscape with little effort. Its reliable color, compact habit, and hardy nature make it a must-have for gardeners looking to brighten their outdoor spaces!

Buy now and Nature Hills Nursery will ship it to your doorstep at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How wide does Amber Gold Arborvitae get at maturity?

Amber Gold Arborvitae reaches 2-3 feet wide at maturity while growing 12-15 feet tall. This narrow, columnar form makes it perfect for tight spaces where you need vertical interest without sacrificing much ground space. Plant 3-4 feet apart for a seamless privacy screen.

Is Amber Gold Arborvitae deer resistant?

Yes, Amber Gold Arborvitae is resistant to deer browsing. This columnar evergreen's natural deer resistance makes it ideal for unprotected landscape areas. Plant it confidently in foundation beds or as screening where deer pressure is a concern, available at naturehills.com.

What are the soil requirements for planting Amber Gold Arborvitae?

Amber Gold Arborvitae thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide pH range from acidic to slightly alkaline. This adaptable evergreen handles various soil types but performs best with consistent moisture without waterlogging. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.

How much sun does Amber Gold Arborvitae need?

Amber Gold Arborvitae thrives in full sun and maintains its brilliant golden color without bleaching or bronzing. Unlike some golden conifers that fade in intense sunlight, this variety actually intensifies its warm hues in full sun exposure. Plant it where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best color development.

How often should I water Amber Gold Arborvitae after planting?

Water newly planted Amber Gold Arborvitae deeply twice weekly for the first month, then reduce to once weekly. This low-maintenance evergreen establishes quickly with consistent moisture but avoid overwatering. Check soil 2 inches down and water when dry.

What fertilizer should I use for Amber Gold Arborvitae?

A balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 ratio works best for Amber Gold Arborvitae. Apply in early spring before new growth begins, following package rates for the tree's mature size of 12-15 feet. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can dull the golden foliage color.

How fast does Amber Gold Arborvitae grow?

Amber Gold Arborvitae is a slow-growing conifer that reaches 12-15 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide at maturity. This compact growth habit makes it perfect for tight spaces where you want vertical interest without overwhelming the area. Expect gradual, steady growth that requires minimal pruning to maintain its naturally columnar shape.

Does Amber Gold Arborvitae have a warranty or guarantee after shipping?

Nature Hills offers a one-year guarantee on trees when planted according to their care instructions. This slow-growing, low-maintenance arborvitae is naturally hardy and disease-resistant, making it a reliable choice. Plant in well-draining soil and provide adequate water during establishment for best results.

How cold hardy is Amber Gold Arborvitae and what is its minimum temperature tolerance?

Amber Gold Arborvitae is extremely cold hardy, maintaining its warm golden hues even in harsh northern climates without bronzing or fading. As a cultivar of Thuja occidentalis native to northern U.S. and Canada, it thrives in frigid conditions. Plant it confidently in cold regions for reliable four-season color.

Amber Gold Arborvitae

Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar' PP22,296